Summary: The story is far from over, but has only just begun.
Disclaimer: I don't own Into The Woods.
Author's Note: This is a non-canon story full of twists and turns to where the Baker's Wife lives and her moment with the Crown Prince is far from over. It is based squarely on the movie, which was a delightful treat to see.
Rating: T
AFTER EVER
His muscles ached murderously and sweat tapered his fine linen shirt to his torso. Covered in filth the Crown Prince felt a strange sense of satisfaction to what had been accomplished so far. Basking in the memory of seeing the hopeful gazes of peasant a sense of duty was renewed in him. He realized he was meant for more than hunting, bedding women, and royal balls.
He had a purpose. And this purpose exhilarated and frightened him at the same time.
With the spirit of an old man, he slung off his horse, staggering slightly as his legs narrowly gave way to the sudden return of weight from his body. Hair fell into his face and he clawed his fingers into his matted locks and breathed a heavy sigh. His horse snorted and pawed at the pebbled ground, its movements just as tiresome as the Prince. Not standing on ceremony, he waved away a swarm of groomsman, and thumped up the steps to the main doors of the hunting lodge.
The hour was late. Charcoal colored clouds shrouded a crescent moon and a heavy quiet settled on the land. It was too quiet. All around was deathly still, as though the land were still reeling from the giant's attack. Questions gnawed at his mind in how such a creature had managed to descend into his father's kingdom.
His father. Oh heavens!
Was he well? He had not been. The onslaught had rattled the old king's vibrant soul and had sent him into a downward spiral. He prayed his father would pull through. Despite today's events, the Crown Prince did not feel ready to handle the reigns of ruling a kingdom. But he would have to be ready…someday.
Now, for the moment, all he desired was to rest and ease the pain in his body. He barely touch the doors when they opened. The prim face of the Steward emerging in the muted light of the foyer.
"Your highness," he swept his arms in a courteous bow.
His presence shocked the Crown Prince's memory and he immediately remembered the woman they had found by the river. The Baker's wife? Yes. She was here. "How goes everything? How is my father?" He moved rather stiffly to the grand staircase.
"All is well Sire. His majesty is resting comfortably." He stared hard into the Crown Prince's face, his eyes betraying his words. The Prince looked away sullenly. "On a good note, your brother and his wife have returned."
"John?" he cried startled.
"Yes."
The Prince exhaled in relief. "Good. That is good. Father will be at ease to know he is safe."
"Yes."
He rapt the Steward on the shoulder astonishing the square man and resumed going up the stairs.
"The lady has been attended to, Sire," the Steward uttered suddenly, hoping his efforts to see to the care of the peasant woman would be dully noted by the Prince.
The Crown Prince paused before continuing his trek. "Hmm," was his only reply. There was no doubt as to whom the Steward was referring but he was neither in the state of mind or dress to care. Sleep drew him to his chambers in the far east end of the lodge. He was greeted to warm candle lights and his bed coverings turned down by palace servants.
He skipped the washbasin and made straight for the bed falling, boots, filthy clothes and all into clean sheets. He lost himself to sleep in a matter of minutes.
"Do you think my mother's up there…with my father?"
Jack pointed up toward the heavens, the tip of his finger clipping the edge of the moon. The boiling black clouds that threatened rain had moved on without a drizzle. A clear sky and a chiseled moon remained. Pleased at this prospect, he and Red had come out to sip on the cool night air; glad to escape the confines of the bakery.
"Red?" he turned to look at her when he had no answer. She was staring at her cloak. It was made of wolf skin. A sadness was in her eyes as she ran her hand across the fur. Her grandmother had made it for after the beast had attacked them. The Baker had rescued them. Alas, he could not save her grandmother or her family from the giant.
"They're with my parents," said Jack encouragingly.
She turned her head to look at him. Her eyes were haunted and welled with tears. In the distance, he heard the faint cry of an animal and felt a chill race up his back.
"It's not a wolf," she finally spoke and dropped her gaze. "He's dead. Like my family."
Jack did not respond only sat in silence and listened the cries of a world slowly coming back to life. It had been eerily silent the last few nights after the giant had disturbed their peaceful country. The calls of the wild signified that all was going to be well…and yet…never.
The creak of a door opening captured their attention. Red glanced over her shoulder and saw Cinderella standing in the entryway. No…it was Ella. She preferred Ella just as she preferred to be called Red and not Lily. She was holding the Baker's son. The sweet babe was asleep.
"Why don't you both come in now and escape the night air?"
Her beckoning smile was gentle and her voice was so calming Red felt a pull in her chest and almost did her bidding. "A few more minutes."
Ella thought a second then nodded and retreated into the house. It was so strange to see Ella here. Another time she was a Princess married to a Prince and about to live forever in a fairytale castle. Now she was simple woman again with a simple life living with a baker and two orphaned children.
Orphaned.
The hard truth hit Red like a punch to the stomach. Swallowing, she angled her head to look at Jack, his eyes pinned to the sky searching it in open wonder. How was it he did not a feel pinch of anguish? His mother was dead yet here he was somehow content by their circumstance.
Boys are different, her mother once said. Her lips quivered. She did not want to think about her mother. Or the last advice she'd given before her world was turned upside down. She lifted her head to sky. Stars twinkled in the black.
"Yes," she whispered, gaining Jack's attention. "She's up there." She gazed in his direction. "With my family." He smiled weakly and the pair remained searching the sky until Ella called them inside.
Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait. Thanks for the reviews. I will be giving the characters names in the future chapters to give the story a bit of depth.